Backpacking in Salmon

Tayden went backpacking with his friends throough Salmon. They hiked, fished, and slept in hammocks. It was really hard to let him go, but I don't want to hold him back from these memories or experiences. They came back safe and can't wait to go back again! 

 

Two Stroke

Beckett sold his dirt bike, All by himself, might I add. He negotiated and worked out all the details of the sale. The buyer even told him how impressed he was with Beckett. Once it was sold, he bought another bike.I know nothing about it except its a KTM 300 2 Stroke and he loves it. Which is enough for me, 

 

Black Belt, Gold Patch

Cache got his Gold Patch for his Black Belt last weeks. Its been incredibly neat watching him stick with Taekwondo and excel. He has been looking so grown up lately! What an accomplishment for this young man! 

 

Delta Lake

 

This summer, I was able to cross off something from my bucket list: Delta Lake. It is a hard 8-mile hike with a 2400 ft elevation gain. A large portion is switchbacks, saving the 1-mile boulder scramble for the very end. It is literally one mile of loose boulders. No trail, no path, just rocks. It was intense, but the views were worth it. It was a great time with friends and I can't wait to do it again! 

Fourth of July

This was a really special Fourth of July. Not only was it the bicentennial birthday of America, it was the last we'll have at Grandma Greats. Next year might be full of new traditions. Obvioulsy, we had to take our traditionak picture. However, we didn't have the dogs this year. Luna is totally blind and it would have been a really hard day for her. We didn't want her alone all day, so we left the dogs. I wanted them in the picture so badly, but this is the stage of life we are in. 

The day was great. We watched the parade, hung out with cousins, and watched the fireworks. Well, some of us watched the fireworks. Tayden and Beckett were with friends, so we took the little boys to watch the fireworks. Our life is changing and traditions are changing with it. 

 

John Boat

 Tayden got a new little John Boat for fishing. He and Scott made a few modifications, and Tayden and Coda took it out for the first time. It's fun to watch Tayden and his passions. 

Gracies Mission Call

 

Justin, Echo, Coda, and Gracie came to Idaho Falls for a few days. Coda and Gracie came a few days early to spend some time with us, and it was wonderful. My favorite part was taking Gracie garment shopping before she took her endowment out. It was such a special experience to help her prepare for the temple in a small way. 

She took out her endowment while she was here, surrounded by family. After the temple, she read her mission call. She announced she was going to Brazil, Sao Paulo. Specifically serving in the visitors center. I am so happy for her. I cried and cried, and she opened her call. The boys made fun of me, saying if I was crying now, wait until Tayden opens his call. They're right. This feels like the warm-up for missionary mom life, and as great as it is, it's going to be so hard. 

It was wonderful having my whole family together. I loved watching them play and interact. We miss the Mennears all the time, but it just makes their visits that much sweeter!